Need a Art And Design Contract in Washington? AroundWire Can Help

In Washington State, contracts for "Art and Design" services—covering visual art commissions, graphic design, public art installations, and related creative work—are typically governed by a combination of state procurement rules and local agency guidelines. Public contracts often require compliance with the Washington State Procurement Reform Act and, for public art, adherence to the state’s Art in Public Places Program administered by the Washington State Arts Commission. Contractors may need to demonstrate business registration with the Washington Secretary of State and maintain a valid Unified Business Identifier (UBI) number. While specific licensing for artists is not generally required, design professionals (e.g., architects, landscape architects) must hold appropriate state licensure when the scope overlaps with regulated professions. Insurance requirements commonly include general liability and, where relevant, professional liability coverage, with minimum limits set by the contracting agency. Contracts typically specify intellectual property rights, often granting the state a license for public use while retaining artist attribution. Payment terms for state contracts are usually net 30 days from invoice approval, but milestone or deliverable-based payments are common for large projects. Dispute resolution generally favors negotiation and mediation before litigation, in line with state contracting norms. Prevailing wage laws may apply if installation involves significant labor. Key risk factors include scope clarity, indemnification clauses, and compliance with anti-discrimination and accessibility statutes (e.g., the Washington Law Against Discrimination and ADA standards).